Review: A Conversation In Passing
A Conversation in Passing is a light-hearted film that creates a dialogue about what happens when we die. The title is a clever play on words where two female characters have a brief conversation – literally in passing – while one of the characters waits to pass on to the afterlife. It’s a “philosophical therapy session, ” (Dir. Matt Segal) with a comedic spin, where the main character is concerned with her death, and if her life as a stamp collector had any meaning.
The film is very enjoyable and creative, and it also provokes some reflection. When speaking with Director Matt Segal, he claimed that “self-reflection is (his) inspiration,” and especially after viewing the film, I couldn’t agree more. I also found the main character’s passion for stamps to be quite poetic. Stamps are a very visual and symbolic medium and the focus on this particular hobby really helped to propel the film and weave the stylistic elements together to become more captivating.
The cinematography and production design is also equally stunning. The setting itself is warm and inviting; a creative space, as opposed to daunting and dark, which one might initially suspect when discussing a heavier subject like death. Additionally, the props used in this scene are very random, as they poke fun at the manner in which the two characters are connecting. The unpredictable nature of the props and dialogue evokes this manner of uncertainty where anything can happen, even in death.
More info & links:
- Director: Matt Segal
- Cast: Konstantina Mantelos, Margarita Valderrama
Catharine Horsley
Film Reviewer
Catharine Horsley is a film studies graduate from Carleton University, who is addicted to the cinema. She is very passionate about art, photography, and filmmaking. Her dream is to become a screenwriter or film critic. When Catharine isn’t watching movies, she finds joy in reading, writing, painting, and cooking.
